A classic fairytale has inspired budding young opera stars from three schools to take to the stage.

Youngsters from The Bawburgh School, Barford Primary School and St Peter's Primary School in Easton are putting together performances inspired by Anton�n Dvor�k's opera Rusalka, which was based on Hans Christian Andersen's The Little Mermaid.

The young performers are the latest pupils to take part in Norwich Theatre Royal's Norfolk Schools Project which has been run by the theatre's education department since 1997.

Pupils from each school have been working on a mini-production with the help of a team of professional singers, musicians and drama practitioners, and they will perform their finished work in front of a live audience at the Norwich Theatre Royal on Sunday at 2pm. Chris Beverley, from The Bawburgh School which has 24 pupils from year five and six taking part, said the pupils were looking forward to performing on Sunday.

She said: 'The children have loved the project. They wrote their own poems which have been turned into songs and they have really grasped the opportunity. It has been a fantastic experience for them and lovely to see their confidence grow.'

As part of the project, the pupils were also given the chance to watch the Glyndebourne production of Rusalka at Norwich Theatre Royal.

The Norfolk Schools Project performance is on Sunday at 2pm. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance.

For information or to book, visit www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.

PHOTO: STEVE ADAMS